When hiring for a startup, should I prioritize technical skills or mindset and attitude?

You need both, but in early teams attitude is often the lever that decides whether skills turn into value. Hard skills let a developer solve problems today, while mindset determines how they react when the spec changes, a deadline slips, or production breaks. Look for curiosity, clear communication, and a bias toward taking responsibility rather than excuses. During interviews, ask about moments when requirements changed late or when they had to clean up someone else’s mess, and listen for how they talk about colleagues and customers. Someone with solid skills and a healthy, product focused mindset will usually outperform a brilliant but cynical individual in a startup setting.